Animals cost car insurance companies

A new report has found that car accidents involving wild animals cost insurance providers millions of pound each year.

The Post Office study has advised that as there will be an increased likelihood of hitting an animal in the coming months, extra care should be taken when driving on Britains roads.

An estimated one million animals are killed or injured as a result of collision with cars, vans and lorries, with accidents involving deer alone suggested to cost car insurance suppliers as much as £17 million.

Richard Pennant-Jones, Post Office head of motor insurance, said: "Drivers are often unsure about what they should do if they hit an animal on the road, especially as motor insurance companies do not require policyholders to report accidents involving wild animals."

Although by law there is no requirement to inform car insurance providers of such incidents, Mr Pennant-Jones urged car-owners to inform animal welfare organisations in the event of an accident to help them provide better care for animals.

Online advice site Safermotoring.com advises those people who have hit an animal to pull over to assess the health of the creature and turn on hazard lights to inform oncoming vehicles of their presence.